Desert itinerary: Uzbekistan & Mangystau

Hi there, After a long absence, I’m back on this forum where I used to post under the username NealMorse (mostly about off-the-beaten-path spots in the American West...).

I’m planning a trip to Uzbekistan—details still up in the air (8–10 days)—but I’d love to combine it with a stop in Kazakhstan at Mangystau (5–7 days).

One of my main reasons for traveling is to seek out and photograph deserts, especially dramatic landscapes. Mangystau fits the bill perfectly!

Has anyone here got any tips for this trip, especially how to connect the two countries? Thanks in advance

Hi, You mentioned 8/10 days in Uzbekistan and 5/7 days in Kazakhstan. For the days dedicated to the Mangystau desert, that sounds good, but how do you plan to do this trip? Are you thinking of hiring a guide with a 4x4 in Kazakhstan, or managing on your own with a rental vehicle, either in Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan? Could you give a few more details? The Mangystau desert isn’t difficult, but you still need to know how to find the right tracks leading to the right places. So, to give you better advice, it’d help to know your mode of transport.

Hi Jean Pierre, and thanks for your reply! I’m thinking of booking a one-way flight from Paris to Atyrau and then using a local agency in Kazakhstan for Mangystau, so no route issues there.

Next, I’d like to head to Uzbekistan—maybe by train? Or a flight via Tashkent?—for a more classic trip, possibly by train again. I could stick with the same agency if they offer that, or rent a car and go solo.

And then return directly to Paris or via Atyrau.

Anyway, this is just the start of my planning for this trip. The main thing I’m wondering about is the Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan connection… Thanks! Best, Vincent

Hey Progshots! I did go to Uzbekistan for 3 weeks as planned this spring, traveling around, but no desert for me... I tried to visit the Aral Sea when I was in Nukus, but communication was tough (it’s on the opposite side of Tashkent).

Hi Vincent! I’m interested to know if you eventually made it to Mangystau and, if so, how you organized it and whether you combined this trip with Uzbekistan like you’d hoped. Thanks!

Hi Vincent! I was wondering if you eventually made it to Mangystau, and if so, how you organized it and whether you combined this trip with Uzbekistan as you had hoped. Thanks!

Same question here!